Cameroon edge Cote d’Ivoire in 21st ‘in-laws’ derby

Cameroon defeated Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 in the 21st meeting between the two sides dubbed the “in-laws” derby, as both teams concluded their respective international camps in Abidjan on Saturday.

The Indomitable Lions secured victory at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe through Nsongo’s first international goal, scored immediately after half-time.

Cote d’Ivoire manager Herve Renard made 10 changes from the side that beat Somalia 2-0, selecting a 4-2-3-1 formation. Emmanuel Agbadou was the only player retained, while Christ Tape, Kassoum Ouattara and Amadou Kone made their international debuts. Ibrahim Sangare captained the side in the absence of Franck Kessie, who began on the bench.

Cameroon coach David Pagou made six changes to the team that drew 1-1 away to Congo. Harouna Djibirin made his debut in a similarly shaped 4-2-3-1 formation.

Cameroon started on the front foot against a well-organised Cote d’Ivoire defence, with Bryan Mbeumo producing the first shot after Sangare lost possession in the sixth minute.

The hosts responded after Jackson Tchatchoua was dispossessed, but Simon Ngapandouetnbu reached the ball before his opponent in the 11th minute. Cameroon defender Samuel Kotto then headed wide from Mbeumo’s corner in the 32nd minute.

Cote d’Ivoire grew into the game before the interval. Yann Gboho miscued a shot from the edge of the area in the 35th minute, while Sangare was denied by Ngapandouetnbu two minutes later. Another effort from the same attack went straight into the goalkeeper’s arms, and Cameroon were forced to concede a corner in the 42nd minute.

The teams went into the break level at 0-0, but Renard introduced Ghislain Konan, Christ Inao Oulai and Ange-Yoan Bonny for Tape, A. Kone and Rayan Fofana.

Cameroon struck within a minute of the restart. Arthur Avom’s cross found Nsongo, who controlled the ball, evaded Ousmane Diomande and calmly beat Alban Lafont, selected ahead of Yahia Fofana in goal. The Deportivo La Corogne player had put the visitors ahead in the 46th minute.

Mahamadou Nagida tested Lafont in the 52nd minute, forcing him to turn the ball behind. Renard then sent on Elye Wahi and Luc Zogbe in the 60th minute, followed by Yan Diomande a minute later.

Pagou responded with Saidou Moubarak, Ryan Fosso, Junior Tchamadeu and Matah Yondjio, who replaced Djibirin, Nyengue, Tchatchoua and Danny Namaso.

Diomande energised Cote d’Ivoire, nearly creating an equaliser in the 71st minute when his cut-back was deflected. He went close again in the 80th minute after combining with Bonny, but Ngapandouetnbu saved and Malick Yalcouye lifted the rebound over.

Renard also introduced Malick Yalcouye and Evan Ndicka, while Pagou brought on Ivan Cedric and Mael Fernandez Monyebe. Cameroon held on to finish the camp with victory, although Renard’s extensive rotation has already drawn criticism.